Roy Williams Joining Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame

By Mike Houck

Assistant A.D. / Strategic Communications

APRIL 30, 2018

NORMAN — Former University of Oklahoma strong safety Roy Williams will be inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame during enshrinement ceremonies on Tuesday, May 8 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

One of six individuals in the Cotton Bowl's 11th hall of fame class, Williams will be joined by Texas A&M linebacker Quentin Coryatt, Arkansas/Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt, USC head coach John Robinson, Penn State halfback/linebacker Wallace Triplett and Texas running back Ricky Williams.

In his last collegiate game, Williams spearheaded an Oklahoma defensive performance for the ages. In a 10-3 win to cap the 2001 season, the Sooners held Arkansas to 50 total yards on 55 plays. The Razorbacks attempted two of 13 pass attempts for 13 yards and gained 37 yards on 42 carries, and OU recorded more sacks (nine, to tie school and Cotton Bowl records) than Arkansas registered first downs (six).

Williams was named the game's defensive MVP after racking up six tackles (five solo), including three tackles for a loss of 17 yards and a pair of sacks for a loss of eight yards.

Williams won the 2001 Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player) and Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back), becoming the first player to earn both honors in a season. He went on to play nine years in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.

A judging committee comprised of media representatives and athletics administrators voted from a ballot consisting of 60 nominees that included former players, coaches, bowl administrators and others who have made special contributions to the Cotton Bowl Classic. Hall of fame selection is based solely upon an individual's performance in, or contribution to, the Classic rather than on their overall or college career. Individuals are eligible five years after their final Classic appearance.

The induction ceremony for the class of 2018 will be held on the west indoor plaza of AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The hour-long ceremony begins at noon and is free to the public.